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Car is randomly having problems starting, what could be the problem?
My wife has a 2003 Taurus that is having some issues starting. It's very inconsistent so it's been hard to figure out what the problem could be. The car will start up fine for a few weeks, then suddenly it won't turn over. The battery is fine (horn honks fine, power windows/locks work at normal speed, headlights and dome lights are as bright as they always have been) so I really don't think it's a battery problem. After trying to start the car a few tries (and there not being any indication that something is actually happening besides the lights on the dashboard changing), it will either start perfectly or turn over very slowly. One time when it was turning over slowly, I tried to jump start it with my car, which resulted in the car no longer even turning over. Then I pulled my car away and came back to her car and tried it again normal, started up perfectly. I've followed the connection from the battery to the starter and it appears to be a good connection. Does this sound like a starter issue? I've never seen such inconsistencies on a bad starter, usually it either tries to start or it doesn't instead of randomly trying/not trying/trying very slowly/etc.
We bought the starter from O'Reilly and it's still under warranty, but it's a pain to change - especially during the winter months. Also, this is the second warranty replacement starter so far. If it IS the starter, we'll be on our 4th starter from O'Reilly, and our third warranty exchange.
Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks.
Forgot to mention, I have also loosened the connection to the starter and used some electrical contact cleaner, waited for a few hours (even though I have the quick dry) and reconnected securely. Have also removed the terminals from the battery, cleaned up the battery and cables, and also removed the ground, cleaned it up and reattached. Have also jiggled the cable from battery to starter while my wife tried starting it, no luck.
8 Answers
- Amanda BLv 41 decade agoFavorite Answer
The not starting could be an issue with the ignition switch or the EWS (immobilizer) system (module, hall effect sensor in the column, wiring, etc). It could also be a problem with the DME going offline or another module on the CAN-bus spewing gibberish (this is common with the DSC modules).
Shutting down while rolling is likely not an issue with the EWS as that system gets out of the way once the key has been authenticated and the engine has started.
Source(s): http://www.automd.com/ - ?Lv 51 decade ago
It's possible to get 4 bad starters,but unlikely. The rebuilder may have a batch of bad parts,but unlikely. My guess is dirty/corroded/ loose battery cable or a internal problem in the battery. Clean ALL the battery to starter connections and have the battery load tested
- ?Lv 71 decade ago
though this does sound like a faulty starter motor clearly they cant all be bad!
a slow turning motor wil be due to a voltage drop so we need to look at battery connections etc. since it comes and goes this too is unlikely!
I would be looking at a broken connection or wire ( possibly internally so not visible) giving intermittent results as a first step. next Time try shaking all wires when trying to crank it over. a jump start should!! not be an issue. you may care to try connecting direct to starter motor next Time and thus cut out both battery and and wires in starter circuit.
- HariLv 71 decade ago
This sounds to be issue of Auto Eectricals . Check the circuit diagram give in manual - have the spark plugs either clean or change them once for all . Keep fair reqiured distance of spark plug pins in adequtely . As per your assertion battery is ok and current from battery to pass and spark plugs has to have the inginiton accelerate to catch fire and push up the gassoline turned to pure gas and push the piston. Also check the fuse box and check the fuses - The fuse box must be fix some where near battery so that u can open and for perfect working and avoid doubts change the fuses kept in boxes . (The removed one keep it as a spare for future use when needed ). Its not costly too . I think with this much of effort it should work and start spontaneously as it forms the complete auto electric circuit
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- me hereLv 41 decade ago
It sounds like a starter to me. Once I had a car do this to me and it turned out that mating surface inbetween the starter and the block was dirty. This caused a bad ground.
- 1 decade ago
i'm a former service manager and worked for buick, mazda, subaru and jeep. from what you say i would venture to guess it's the starter. i've never heard of o'reilly but if they're like western auto or discount auto parts in fla their parts aren't worth the scrap they're made of. do yourself a favor and buy a remanufactuered starter from someone with a national reputation like napa who cost more but are very good to deal with.
Source(s): years in the auto business. - Anonymous1 decade ago
Check the relay, I think its in the fuse box under the hood, not the one under the dash
- pedro7of9Lv 71 decade ago
a "dead" battery can oftem run windows,,radio, and beep horn..those only need 8 or 9 volts
have u checked battery cables? tight and clean? u say "appears to be good" apperances can decieve..[clean/tighten]]
